Field Report: Greenhouse Project

Community Visited/Nombre de Comunidad: San José del ojoche (Barrio Nuevo)

SUMMARY OF VISIT:

On Wednesday, the 8th of october, we visited the community of San Jose del Ojoche with the goal of examining the progress of the two greenhouses installed there at the homes of Don Reynaldo and Doña Elsa, respectively. We also visited the school New Bélen where we met with community leaders and teachers.

FINDINGS: At the home of Don Reynaldo we saw good results from his greenhouse. The plants were growing well and he mentioned that he was very happy with the results that the organic fertilizers and pesticides that Vicente had shown them how to produce earlier. He mentoned that at one point a plant virus was starting to attack some of the plants but he applied the organic pesticides that he had made per Vicente’s specs and the plants were quickly returned to a healthy state. We also visited Doña Elsa’s house where we observed a problem with her greenhouse. It turns out that the soil may be a little acidic which is hindering the growth of the plants. Vicente put together a plan of systematic application of organic fertilizer which he expects will improve the quality of the soil and create a more productive growing environment.

We also met with the teachers at the school and they mentioned a small problema related to the well tap that supplies wáter to the school. They report that one of the chords or ropes associated with the wáter source and facilitates the delivery of water is damaged. They said that it is a result of some vagrants who have intentionally damaged the system and they would like to put a fence around it to avoid future occurences. They also mentioned that the latrines at the school were bad shape. Lastly, they mentioned that they would like to involve the children in further greenhouse and agriculture projects especially as it relates to organic farming as they see this an an important component of their education. They asked that Rosario and Vicente might come one day and do a workshop on organic agriculture with the students. This may be something to consider for the Rotary trip in November.

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS: The only negative finding in our visit was the issue with the soil at Elsa’s property but that is being addressed and we hope to see improvements within 4 weeks. On a positive note it appears that the farmers have followed the training as it relates to organic pesticides and have had good results as well. Not only is this good in terms of production but also means that they have accepted the approach and are eager to continue to work with the Namlo field staff on new and sustainable approaches to agriculture. The fact that all the materials to produce the fertilizers and pesticides are available in the community naturally and at no cost.

SUGGESTIONS/LOOKING FORWARD: After speaking with the farmers on a number of occasions (not limited to this visit) they have stressed the need to improve the markets to absorb their crops. While there is not currently a surplus of production we are looking forward on how to create those markets. We have spoken with vegetable vendors as well as restaurants who have expressed interest in purchasing organic produce on a regular basis. At this point the contacts have been made and we are simply waiting to see the quality and quantity of the first production.

Translated from the Spanish, below:

Community Visited/Nombre de Comunidad: San José del ojoche (Barrio nuevo)